I’m so glad to read this article! In 2003 I started a business teaching ESL and Beginning Spanish. As part of my research, I took a pile of about 10 Spanish workbooks out into my yard, with the idea that I would jot down in a spiral notebook in what order different aspects of the language should be taught. I was surprised and frustrated to find that every single “How to Learn Spanish” book approached it in a different order — there was no consensus at all!

In my first year university course, I was taught present tense, command form, future tense, then imperfect, and as the third term was almost over, we were just getting into preterite. Off I went to Quito, with virtually no preterite! I knew something was wrong there.

Also enjoyed the percentage breakdown of how much we use each tense.

This is the most original information I’ve come across in a long time — I’m excited to learn more about your system.

I studied with Warren Hardy two years ago. It is absolutely true what he says about self-actualization. Learning the social protocol of Mexico enabled me to experience just that. It was a thrill the first time I said “Buon Provecho” to a group eating in a restaurant as I passed their table; they all smiled at me as if I were one of them.

warren –
you seem like a cool, honest guy – 10 % truly actualize themselves into spanish speakers!! No hype about 90% becoming fluent in only 30 days!!! And as important – non judgemental – most of my students are satisfied learning to get by in spanish and that is their choice. How refreshing.
I am a “child” of the 60’s (dob 1942) – opted out of the rat race 6-8 years ago and became interested in spanish though not certain why. Have “worked” on/with it for years with some success and some frustration. Probably a level 2 per your criteria.
Recently made my 2nd driving visit into Mexico (Nogales to Hermosillo to Chihuahua via hwy 16 through the Sierra Madres) -ended up in Zacatecas. On this visit became very, very aware of the incredible importance of the spoken word. I was physically there but not really able to “connect” with people. What a great torture device – place someone in a foreign land and not allow them to communicate!!
I have done mostly self study in my “quest” of the spanish language. The so called immersion classes taught by native spanish speakers have been a disappointment to me. Your approach/method and genuine concern – esp for the older student are appealing. Perhaps I will have the opportunity of meeting you as a student in the future.
Regards,

I am a native speaker. My boss has asked me to teach him Spanish because he is adopting kids from Mexico. He is a very busy man and gets frustrated very easily. I don’t know how to begin to teach him. can you help me? Thanks.

I have always wondered how that worked. I actually thought that I was too old to learn spanish but now i see that there is a way to learn Spanish if I follow this process and be patient. muchas gracias.

I am coming to SMA next month for two weeks of study at your school. I look forward to a “language learning retreat” and to breaking out of the “think in English” mindsest. Am only struggling with whether to enroll in Level 2 or Level 3…I want to stretch a bit so am leaning toward level 3. Thanks for all the helpful information on the website to help me decide.

What a great blog perfect for those of us who need to improve on the Spanish language, I am a teacher and live in London one of the few websites that specialises in the London theme in Spanish is arandata Londres please check it out and hopefully brush up on your spanish at the same time! Congratulations on the blog.

I agree with you about the definition of conversational Spanish. Just having a conversation with someone in Spanish is very helpful with achieving fluency. I mean that’s what language is for – talking to people! I want to note that while business classes in Spanish are good for those learning Spanish they’re also good for Spanish speakers who are learning English and what to get the necessary business skills.

You are absolutlely correct because I have experienced it. I;m in my 60’s and went through 5 months of total immersion. What a waste of time and money. I finished by thinking I was just too old to learn. Jim

Perosnally I think there’s nothing wrong with immersion-based schools. Sure, you won’t walk out fluent after just a few weeks, but it certainly helps. Take the ALG (Automatic Language Growth) method for example. After 800 hours of solid input students do know what the teachers are talking about.

I don’t really agree with you regarding starting with the verb tenses. Why would you? Most people are grammar-orientated because they think it’s the right way to do. The is no rock hard evidence people learn better studying grammar or not studying grammar at all.

However, the fact is that people that got immersed thus got solid input FIRST, and only then took up a study of grammar often have a better level in their target language.

The key difference between bilinguals and monolinguals may be more basic: a heightened ability to monitor the environment. “Bilinguals have to switch languages quite often — you may talk to your father in one language and to your mother in another language,” says Albert Costa, a researcher at the University of Pompea Fabra in Spain. “It requires keeping track of changes around you in the same way that we monitor our surroundings when driving.” In a study comparing German-Italian bilinguals with Italian monolinguals on monitoring tasks, Mr. Costa and his colleagues found that the bilingual subjects not only performed better, but they also did so with less activity in parts of the brain involved in monitoring, indicating that they were more efficient at it.

Interesting, I was sorry to read about the 70 year old cut-off. I am 80 and, although movement is slow, I do see progress. Fluency is not my objective but to be able to look after myself and to treat my Latin friends with respect. I feel that your course is structured perfectly for me and I count myself lucky that I came across it through International Living.
Sincerely
Leonard Poetschke

An hour in class will seldom change anything for a visiting language student, but Warren Hardy’s social protocol lecture gave me fresh outlook on Mexico. I have been coming to San Miguel annually for three years–soon to be four–and I’ve never felt more welcome anywhere.

Brilliant! From the opening sentence to the final word, I found myself thoroughly engaged, lingering at moments to take in the full impact of what was being said, smiling in some parts, heart broken in others. Your passion for people — for relationships… especially international — is evident in this piece. Truly, this essay, (speech?), is relational art. Thank you for sharing it.

Well, Rabbie Burns did write Green Grow the Rashes O, but that was NOT the song sung by the soldiers. They sang Green Grow the Rushes O–which is a way of remembering the 12 apostles–and is a good marching song. Our family used to sing this song on car trips when I was a child as it goes on FOREVER!
I will be in San Miguel soon, visiting your student, Liz Hodder, so maybe I’ll see you.
Regards from Canada!

Thank you, Warren, for sharing with us these fundamental courtesies and your insights on the core values of the Mexican and American people. The Mexican people and their joyous and spiritual culture have indeed made me and Rex better people. We are honored to live within a culture that venerates the dignity of its people including the children and the elderly of Mexico.

Thank you Warren for a tool to educate us all about the Mexican-American histories and the impact on who we are as culturally different peoples. These are huge tools in moving forward in being two peoples in one society, whether here in Mexico or in the United States. All cultures bring with them elements that need understanding and respect. I plan on using this in my work! Muchas Gracias!!

Just wanted you to know that I just watched your video on cortesia, and learned so much! I’ve always smiled, and been friendly, but these little hints, and knowlege of their history, has really helped me.

Warren, these films are a great introduction to the Mexican culture and I will share them with others, especially when I hear someone is planning at trip to Mexico. Correct knowledge, which brings understanding, is the best ambassador between different cultures. I hope to return soon to Mexico and study at your school again. All my best to you and Tuli.

Warren, I feel so grateful that your school was my first introduction after I moved here to learning about Mexico. I went through all seven levels of Spanish with your wonderful teachers, Rocío and Antonieta. Thanks to you and Tuli for giving me so many valuable tools to begin my new life here in San Miguel. This new tape is wonderful. Everyone who lives here or is thinking of visiting really should see it and internalize it. Forever grateful, Carla Hines

It is so good to hear these lectures again……I have heard these in my classes at Warren Hardy but good to have a refresher!
Thanks Warren and Tuli for putting these on video………Love it and good to see you! Thank you…….Cathy

Thank you for this wonderful video. My honey and I came to Mexico 6 years ago and studied at your school, I was pregnant with my first child and enjoyed your teaching style and the warmth from all your teachers. I work with so many people from Mexico, living in Northern California; and just having some simple history and knowing how to show dignity to many of the people that I interact with is amazing. I can understand and speak with confidence these simple phrases and in turn gain some of the trust that will enhance my relationships. Thank you for continuing to educate and bring people together.

Hello: Although I live in Costa Rica, I purchased your first online Spanish Webtutor class ( I don’t quite remember what it’s called) which really helped me learning basic Spanish. I have been waiting for your second level Webtutor class since the end of last year, but Tuli kept telling me that you had many problems with getting it ready. I still would love to purchase it from you if you finally managed to finish the program. Would you have any insights into the Tico culture? I realize that many Central American cultures are very similar and that courtesia in Mexico is the same in Costa Rica. I walk my dogs around my neighborhood every day and talk to many of my neighbors, and always start with Buenos Dias (accompanied by a big smile). Many of them answer the same way and add “Como Amanecio?” (How did you get up this morning? “Muy bien, gracias, y usted?” I answer back. Every day, I learn a word or two more. Common words are a little different here and there are many regional expressions that don’t exist in Mexico. But Spanish is Spanish, and even if I use Mexican expressions, I am understood by the Ticos. Thank you.

Thanks a million for taking the time to provide us with valuable information. I am Mexican, now living in Scotland for 8 years. I love it here, however family and friends (my tribe!) has always been an enormous loss which I deeply resent.

Dear Mr Hardy,
Buenas Noches
I sit here in my living room in NYC after having watched
your lovely videos. I so enjoyed your explanation of the Mexican
courtesia and the similarities and differences in the culture.
Thank you for your incredible system of learning the Spanish language.
I have been truly enriched by your program, your video and your
spirit.
Muchas gracias.

Hola Warren and Tuli,
Muchas Gracias for these beautiful videos. I appreciate you for sharing your respect and love for the Mexican culture and people. One of the highlights of this year for me was the opportunity to study with you and the wonderful people at the school. And living in Southern California, I am now better able to appreciate and communicate with my neighbors. I look forward to returning to San Miguel and studying more with you.
Kindest regards,
Judith

Thank-you for sharing your knowledge of Mexicans and their protocols. I am not American, but my Australian values are different from those that you outlined for Mexicans. The lesson on cortesia was very helpful. I look forward to studying verbs with you in January.

[…] tourists are actually worse compared to Mexico’s vacation destinations. For instance, in 2010, the murder rate in Orlando, Florida was higher than those of Puerto Vallarta and Cancun. That means it is technically safer to go to those Mexican cities than to visit a certain beloved […]